UN chief underscores cyber realm as anti-terrorism new frontier

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L, Front) chairs a UN Security Council ministerial debate on the cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in maintaining international peace and security, at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 25, 2019. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Wednesday that a "new frontier" of the fight against terrorism is the cyber realm and called for complementing security measures with prevention efforts that identify and address root causes. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 25 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Wednesday that a "new frontier" of the fight against terrorism is the cyber realm and called for complementing security measures with prevention efforts that identify and address root causes.

Guterres made the remarks at a Security Council ministerial debate on cooperation between the United Nations and the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in countering terrorist threats.

Describing the terror threat as "evolving," he said that "the new frontier is cyber-terrorism: the use of social media and the dark web to coordinate attacks, spread propaganda and recruit new followers."

"In response to this unprecedented threat, we are taking unprecedented action. The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and related Security Council resolutions provide a comprehensive framework," he said.

"Pursuing and dismantling terrorist groups is vital, but it is just one among many measures. We must complement security measures with prevention efforts that identify and address root causes, while always respecting human rights."

The UN chief called for building the resilience of societies, so that people and communities reject terrorist narratives that prey on fear and hopelessness.

"We must reinforce the social compact, including the provision of basic services and opportunities, particularly for young people," he said.

The important role of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in countering terrorist threats is set as the focus of the debate.

Guterres highlighted the need for international cooperation as the first priority of the counter-terrorist strategy.

"The three organizations ... are playing an important role in promoting regional counter-terrorism cooperation by facilitating the exchange of critical information and knowledge, and the implementation of joint investigations and operations," he said, adding the United Nations is strengthening its institutional links with each of them.

He further said the partnership has established frameworks for joint activities, exchanges of information, and collaboration on capacity-building assistance to UN member states.

In conclusion, the UN chief said the cooperation between the United Nations and the three organizations is deepening as it covers a growing range of issues. "I look forward to our continued cooperation as we work together to end the threat of terrorism and build a more secure and prosperous future for all."